As your installers lay the planks or tiles in the desired pattern, they will carefully
measure and precisely cut them to fit.
Clueless about glueless? Allow us to explain.
As mentioned earlier, many laminates today don’t require glue for the installation.
These glueless products have significantly impacted the laminate flooring industry
and there are several reasons why the glueless laminates are so popular.
Most importantly, they are easier to install. Our installers put down an underlayment
and the laminate planks or tiles interlock to each other one at a time.
If something goes wrong during installation, your floor can be dismantled plank-by-plank,
or tile-by-tile, and re-built.
If one of the panels gets damaged after installation, your entire floor can be removed,
the damaged panel replaced, and the floor can be put back together again.
Some installations need glue.
For floors that require glue on the sides of the planks or tiles, your installers
begin by gluing the first two panels in the first row together.
Again, as per the manufacturer’s instructions, they start in the left-hand
corner and glue the first row together at the ends.
As they glue each plank or tile they apply clamps or use straps to hold the pieces
together.
Although planks or tiles usually fit together easily, installers will sometimes
use a tapping block while fitting them together.
For installations that use glue, once the floor is completed and the glue is dry,
installers then remove the spacers.
Then, your new floor gets the final touch.
To finish your floor, our installers add molding to cover the perimeter gap and
install any additional transition trim pieces needed in doorways or where the laminate
meets a different type of flooring.
Custom finished moldings and trim will give your laminate flooring a beautiful,
finished look. They are all coordinated to match or accentuate the design of your
floor. It’s all available as a part of our professional installation, all
part of the art of installation.
For your information, here are some finishing terms and definitions.
Reducer Strip is used to create a smooth transition between two floors
of different heights, as well as protect the plank or tile exposed edges from damage
caused by foot traffic.
Overlapping Stair Nosing is similar to a flush stair nosing except the
nosing overlaps the exposed edge of your floor.
The overlapping stair nosing is secured to the sub floor and not to the laminate
floor so the floor is free to move. Recall the “floating floor” idea
we mentioned earlier in this section.
T-Molding is used to bridge two areas of flooring that are the exact same
height.
The T-Molding overlaps the exposed edges of the floor and is secured only to the
sub floor, never to the flooring itself.
Generally this trim is used as the transition piece between rooms, or as the expansion
piece for areas that exceed 30 feet in length.
Universal Edge is also called a Square Nosing and is used where
the laminate flooring butts up to carpeting, or various vertical surfaces where
the edge will be exposed, such as along a fireplace.
Quarter Round gives the floor a finished look and protects the edges of
your laminate flooring.
The result is a beautifully installed laminate floor.
What to know and do before installation day
Relocate your furniture.
Remove all furniture and other objects and materials from the areas to be floored.
Before moving, you’ll also need to empty the contents of china cabinets, closets
and the like.
Be aware that the area of installation must be climate controlled (heated or air
conditioned). Laminate flooring manufacturers require indoor humidity to be maintained
between 45-65%.
What’s to be done with your present floor covering?
Please consider how your old floor covering will be taken up and disposed of. This
can be a time consuming and messy task. We will be happy to discuss removal options
with you.
If you prefer to remove your present floor covering yourself, do it at least one
day prior to installation to allow for cleanup and floor preparation.
Now turn your attention to the trim.
You should know that, in many cases, moldings and baseboards need to be removed
for laminate installation. Your installers may do this for an additional charge
but will not be responsible for damage or breakage due to dry or brittle wood.
Painted baseboards, woodwork and paint may need retouching after the installation
is complete. If necessary, this is your responsibility.
Get expert council on your sub flooring.
Your existing sub floor may need to be prepared to receive the laminate, or a new
subfloor may be required. This is a job best left to the professionals and, again,
we can help you with these decisions.
It is important that the subfloor be as clean and level. That helps insure your
new laminate flooring will be as beautiful and well supported as possible and ultimately
covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Include a door plan in your preparation.
When laminate flooring is installed, there’s always the possibility that the
doors, especially closet doors, basement and bedroom doors, may not clear the new
floor and swing free.
Your installers may need to remove doors in order to install the laminate and re-hang them
at an additional cost. If there is a clearance issue you may want to arrange for
a qualified carpenter to shave or cut down your door(s) after the installation of
your new laminate floor.
Don’t let clean-up be a toss-up.
Installing new laminate flooring will produce waste. These materials will be collected
and disposed of by your installers at an additional cost.
What to know and do during installation day
On installation day be home and handy.
Be prepared to be at home the day of installation and be available in case your installation
crew has questions. Your presence will insure that the correct laminate is installed
in the right areas. Because it is difficult to estimate the length and circumstances
of each job, they may not be able to give you an exact time of arrival but will probably
provide a time frame.
Your family is our concern.
Your installers will use a variety of tools and techniques that can make the work
area hazardous. Please make sure that your children and pets are kept out of the
work area on installation day.
Follow through with a walk-thru.
We recommend that, prior to the completion of the installation; you walk thru the
job with your installation team. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions
and be clear on any final details.
What to know and do after installation day
Clear the air.
If you are sensitive to dust and odors, good ventilation should be established for
48 to 72 hours after installation.
Being prepared is the result of being informed.
We want you to be as well prepared as possible for the installation of your new
laminate flooring. To that end we’ve assembled the most knowledgeable sales
people and given you the names of experienced installers to provide you with solid information,
reliable resources and proven solutions.
We hope that the information we’ve featured here leads you to a better understanding
of how to prepare for installation day.